Nestled on the southernmost tip lies one of Sri Lanka’s best kept surf secrets: Madiha beach. Located close to the city of Matara, Madiha boasts an all year round swell making for perennial boarding heaven – especially Turtle Point where surfers will catch the best waves. Its hidden location ensures that you can surf without jostling in the lineup queue and savour the waves yourself. Furthermore, beneath Madiha’s crystal clear waters lies a sub-aquatic paradise with coral reefs and tropical fix begging to be discovered. Discreetly tucked away, Mahida can be reached via a small path next to the main villa in Matara and is ideal for beginners or advanced surfers.
If you’re an amateur surfer keen to learn how to ride the crest of a wave then Weligama bay on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is perfect for beginners. A pristine golden stretch flanked by palm groves, Weligama’s low sandy floor makes it easy to get to the lineup, plus gentler waves are easy to catch. Thanks to the benevolent Weligama sea, there are naturally many surf schools on the beach which offer lessons and longboard rental. Being a bay, the beach is also home to kite surfers and other water sporting activities.
On the eastern coast, north of Yala National Park, Okanda Surf Point is a popular surfing destination which benefits from three lineups suiting every level of expertise. With two ideal for beginners to intermediates and the other for pros (waves reach up to 8 feet high) the beautiful beach is perfect for everyone. There are occasional strong rip currents, so surfers should pay caution.
A delightful tourist-free cove, away from the hustle and bustle of modern Sri Lankan living, Talalla is blessed with unspoilt, development-free splendour. Located between the fishing village of Gandara and Koattagoda, the beach is certainly off the regular surfer’s radar yet makes for a perfect wave-catching spot. Novices will benefit from the sandy bottom and powerless wave and advanced surfers will delight at the flat rocks and breaking powerful waves at both ends of the bay.
Nicknamed, The Rock, Kabalana Surf Point is famed for being the best A-Frame reef break in Sri Lanka. In peak season (January – February) waves can reach up to 8 feel high. A magnet for advanced surfers, the powerful waters offer a ride of about 300m. For those less experienced, Kabalana Beach Break’s white waters will suit you down the the ground.